Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Mid Suffolk Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose: To approve the Biodiversity and Nature Recovery action plan and budget for Mid Suffolk

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That Cabinet adopted Option B – and endorsed the new approach to delivering Mid Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan for the period 2025-2028 and approved the Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Budget to deliver this, including the creation of a Nature Recovery Fund providing grants for supporting action across the District.   1.2          That the Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Budget be funded from the Mid Suffolk Plan Implementation Reserve.   1.3          That Cabinet delegated responsibility for finalising the detailed criteria of the Nature Recovery fund to the Head of Climate and Nature Recovery in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Wellbeing.   REASON FOR DECISION   The approval of the proposed Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Budget to deliver the Biodiversity Action Plan would demonstrate the Council’s commitment to climate change and nature recovery, whilst aligning with national goals and legislation.    The budget would allow more effective delivery of the actions than is currently possible within the constraints of existing resources. This in turn would deliver greater benefits to local biodiversity and the district, including its residents and communities, through increased co-benefits and engagement.   Providing dedicated and sufficient resource would provide the Council and the District with a greater chance of reversing the decline in biodiversity and habitat loss and deliver genuine nature recovery that the biodiversity emergency required. To support partners and other groups to build capacity and take action would ensure the greatest impact and most efficient way of delivering our collective aims, and to maintain progress during and beyond the lifetime of this Biodiversity Action Plan.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Option A - the progress on the Biodiversity Action Plan be noted without approval for additional budget.   Option C – the new approach to deliver ambitions in the Biodiversity Action Plan for the period 2025-2028 is endorsed with approval for additional budget but without a dedicated Nature Recovery Fund.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None